MORE than half of the money needed for a planned Tuna Poler sculpture paying tribute to the industry has been pledged but more is needed to get the project over the line.

Local artist Ken Martin, who was responsible for the Makybe Diva statue, will create the work, which will represent all those who took part in the tuna poling industry in recognition of the importance of the tuna fishing industry to the city.

Port Lincoln Rotarian Jim Kay is coordinating the project but he said it was a community project in conjunction with the Port Lincoln City Council and the Axel Stenross Maritime Museum, which meant donations could be tax deductible.

“The sculpture will be owned by the Axel Stenross Maritime Museum and on permanent loan to the City of Port Lincoln...”

The council also provided funding for the initial design concepts and drawings.

Mr Kay said while there had already been a lot of money pledged, a number of people had expressed interest in contributing to the statue who had yet to make an official pledge and now was the time.

He said money would not be required until the required amount had been pledged, which he expected to be around the end of April.

The project is expected to cost $230,000 and the two-and-a-half-metre finished statue will stand on the Port Lincoln foreshore.

For more information or to make a pledge contact Mr Kay on 8682 3314, 0488 723 314 or email jbmdk@bigpond.com